PBA: Magnolia continues dominance over Phoenix
Magnolia import Tyler Bey.–PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO — Magnolia used a big third quarter and then kept it together the rest of the way on Sunday night to thrash Phoenix Super LPG, 107-92, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Import Tyler Bey had 32 points and 16 rebounds as Jio Jalalon led the locals with 20 points and eight rebounds that went with three steals to help the Hotshots stay perfect in two games.
“They dictated the tempo the first half,” coach Chito Victolero said of the Fuel Masters, who suffered their first loss in the conference.
“We were out of control, too. But once we settled down—after explaining to the players that we needed to execute on both ends of the floor—our fine defense got going” he added.
With the win, Magnolia extended their mastery of Phoenix. The Hotshots have won eight straight against the Fuel Masters.
Import Jonathan Williams III posted 26 points and 13 rebounds for Phoenix while Jjay Alejandro delivered yet another fine performance with 15 points. Three more chipped in 11 points each but that wasn’t cutting it out against a Hotshots side that has been on a tear.
Magnolia swept the PBA’s exhibition caravan during the offseason and has yet to lose a game in six months.
The Hotshots will have a five-day break before plunging back into action against NorthPort and then a real test when it plays defending champion Barangay Ginebra two days later.
Phoenix, meanwhile, battles Rain or Shine on Saturday next week.
